What is aortic valve replacement surgery?

When functioning properly, the aortic valve opens so that blood can flow out of the heart and then closes, keeping blood from flowing backwards. When conditions such as aortic stenosis – when the aortic valve does not open fully and restricts blood flow – or aortic regurgitation – when the aortic valve does not close all the way causing blood to leak back into the heart – are severe, open heart or minimally invasive surgery may be required to replace the aortic valve.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery?

Traditional or “open” heart surgery involves one long (6- to 8-inch) incision, followed by the dividing and spreading of the sternum and major muscles in the chest wall. Patients undergoing minimally invasive heart surgery receive much smaller incisions. One minimally invasive technique, used in the video, involves a 3- to 4-inch incision near the sternum.

Because there is less trauma during this procedure, patients experience:

less post-operative pain

shorter hospital stays

better healing and quicker recovery

reduced bleeding and infection risk

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery?

Patients with severe aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation may be candidates. Minimally invasive surgery will be the first option considered, but there may be reasons why traditional “open” chest surgery is preferable for a particular patient. This decision will be made after your consultation with the cardiothoracic surgeon.

To make an appointment with a cardiothoracic surgeon, please call (718) 283-7686. For more information about aortic valve surgery at Maimonides, click here.